OH OVERWHELMING LOVE!

✨CHAPTER 20✨

"Soon, it'll all make sense...................."

The alarm blared loudly, pulling Shubhita out of a deep sleep. She groaned, fumbling to hit the snooze button but stopped herself, realizing it was the first day of her new job. She sprang out of bed, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Okay, Shubhi, today's the day. Time to shine," she murmured to herself as she got ready.

Vatsal woke up to a gentle shake on his hand and the soft sound of his name being called. He slowly opened his eyes, the clock showing 6:55 AM. Blinking to clear his vision, he found Shubhita leaning close to him, her face just inches away. She was dressed in a dark green saree with deep blue and black borders, a sight that caught him off guard. He was so accustomed to seeing her in tops, T-shirts, and kurtis that this elegant saree seemed almost otherworldly. The way it draped over her shoulders and exposed the graceful lines of her neck and a portion of her shoulders made his heart skip a beat.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," she said with a playful smile.

He blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the sight of her. "You... this..." he started, still half-asleep.

"All set for my first day?" she finished for him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yeah, this one," he said, finally fully awake.

He realized with a pang of guilt that, in the early days of their marriage, she had worn sarees a few times, but he had been too wrapped up in his own world to really notice her. Now, seeing her like this, he couldn't help but marvel at how well it suited her.

The memory of their trip of two days ago, to the market to find the perfect black blouse and underskirt for this very saree floated into his mind.

"Your breakfast is on the kitchen counter," she continued, straightening up. "I've covered it with a plate. And don't forget to make your coffee. Oh, and get up now to lock the door from inside. The school van will be here any minute."

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "You really thought of everything, didn't you? Good luck today."

"Thanks," she said, waving as she headed towards the door. "Don't miss me too much!"

He laughed. "I'll try not to. You go and knock 'em dead."

Both of them chuckled at the role reversal. Every day, she was the one ensuring he was up and ready, and he was the one preparing for his day.

Before she walked out, she turned and playfully mimicked his usual routine. "Close the door after me, will you?," she said, imitating his tone. "I'll only go once you'll lock the door."

Vatsal, fully awake now, grinned and responded in kind. "Okay, okay. Spare a glance at the window once you're downstairs," he said, exaggerating her tone and posture, which sent Shubhita into a fit of laughter.

"You're terrible!" she said between giggles, shaking her head as she opened the door and stepped out.

"Terrible?" he called after her.

"Yeah, terrible!" she shot back with a grin. "You need more practice if you want to nail me."

"Oh really?" Vatsal leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms. "I thought I had you down perfectly. Want me to try again?"

"Spare me!" Shubhita laughed. "I need to save my energy for the kids."

She waved back, her heart swelling with warmth. "Don't forget to have breakfast, Mr. Forgetful!"

"Alright, Ms. Organized!" he replied, shaking his head with amusement. "Now go on, before you're late. And don't trip over your own feet in excitement."